Chapter 22: Cheerleader (Wabara’s POV)
My phone rang as I was walking into Candy’s the next morning. I left while she was still asleep. It was time for Bourbon to eat and I was getting hungry too. I didn’t sleep next to her, I lay awake and I stared at her. And I recognized what I felt. Attraction, lust, adoration.
Adoration always leads to something else. Almost always.
But not with me. I can adore someone and not like them. You adore little kids, you adore kittens and puppies. I adore Indigo Bloom Easton. In that puppy way.
I stood in line and then answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Wabara, where are you at?” It was Ryan.
“Candy’s. What’s up?”
“Can you fill in today for practice? We’re a player short.”
“Haven’t you got a game this Friday?”
“Yeah. That’s why we need you. Troy had to bail today to take his little brother to the doctor but we’re making the strategy. Are you free?”
“Yeah. What time?”
“The usual.” So, four o’clock.
“I’ll be there. See you then, bye.”
“Bye.” He hung up and I put the phone in my pocket as I stepped up for my turn.
I ordered what I usually do, paid, got my drink, and then sat down because I still had thirty minutes until class. I was looking through the window when I saw Indie walking in. She had on sweatpants but she put on a fitted, black, full-sleeve v-neck which was tucked into her pants. Her hair was thrown up in a bun with a claw clip and she had her bag on her shoulder. She walked in and got in line.
I was watching her but my eyes shifted to the counter when the waitress was called to the back and someone else, a guy, took over the counter. When there were three people left in front of her, she was scrolling through her phone. And the guy was checking her out. I held my chin in my palm and watched.
When it was finally her turn, she put her phone away.
His smile was ten times brighter, and he became more charming. I rolled my eyes but kept watching.
She placed her order and then took out the cash. I watched as he scribbled the order and very obviously, his number onto the cup. He slid it over for the barista to prepare the drink and then took the cash from her, his fingers intentionally brushing hers when he dropped the change in her palm. He asked her something while printing the receipt and she nodded, replying softly.
I clenched and unclenched my jaw.
She tucked the change away and then gave him a nod before moving out of line and waiting for her drink. While waiting, she dug through her bag and her hand came back out with a black marker. She took the drink with a smile and then left. I could still see her from here. She stopped outside and scribbled all over the number so she couldn’t use it. Then she tucked her marker away and drank her tea, walking to campus. She’s very early today.
I stood up and left, catching up to her as she reached the campus. “Hey,” I said as she swiped her ID and walked through.
“Hey,” she smiled at me over her shoulder.
We were walking in when I asked her, “What happened to your cup?”
She glanced at me. “I saw you sitting there, don’t act dumb.”
I chuckled, “I just want to know. Why didn’t you just leave it be?”
“So I wouldn’t be tempted to call. He was cute,” she shrugged.